Cheptais, Bungoma County — August 12, 2026: Detectives investigating the murder of 61-year-old businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, Bungoma County, have arrested three suspects as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intensifies the hunt for those behind the fatal shooting.

Wasama was shot dead on the night of Saturday, August 8, 2026, at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, in an attack that also left a woman injured.

The latest arrests have widened the investigation, with detectives now examining evidence recovered during a search operation in the area as they work to establish the motive for the killing and identify all those involved.

Three suspects have been arrested over the murder of Bungoma businessman Nathan Masai Wasama, who was shot dead at his shop in Cheptais. Detectives also recovered weapons, motorcycles and other items during a raid.

How Nathan Masai Wasama Was Killed

Preliminary investigations indicate that Wasama was at his business premises when four men arrived at Tuikut Trading Centre on two motorcycles.

According to investigators, one of the pillion passengers alighted from a motorcycle, walked into Wasama's shop and allegedly opened fire.

The attacker then reportedly fled the scene with his accomplices on the motorcycles.

Wasama sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died following the attack.

A woman was also shot and injured during the incident. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she remains admitted in stable condition, according to investigators.

The shooting triggered a police operation aimed at tracking down the suspects and determining what led to the killing of the businessman.

First Suspect Arrested

Detectives pursuing the case first arrested Oscar Koech Sakong, who is suspected of being linked to the murder.

Investigators subsequently intensified the operation, following leads that pointed to other individuals believed to have information or connections to the killing.

The investigation reached another significant breakthrough on Tuesday, August 11, when detectives obtained a search warrant and raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two more suspects.

They were identified as Wycliffe Chesubei Ngeiwa, alias Chota, and Geoffrey Makwere Masai.

The three suspects are now in police custody as detectives continue questioning them and piecing together the circumstances surrounding Wasama's death.

DCI Recovers Weapons and Other Items

The search operation also resulted in the recovery of a large collection of items that detectives are examining as part of the investigation.

Among the items recovered were a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes and a crowbar.

Detectives also recovered three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives and five arrows.

Three motorcycles were seized alongside two mobile phones and an iPod.

The recovered items are expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as they establish whether they have any connection to the murder or other activities under investigation.

The seizure of the motorcycles could also prove significant as investigators reconstruct the movements of the suspects before and after the shooting.

Hunt for More Cheptais Murder Suspects Continues

Despite the three arrests, detectives have not closed the case.

The DCI says the hunt for additional suspects is ongoing, with investigators following leads aimed at establishing the motive for Wasama's murder, identifying all those involved and determining the role allegedly played by each suspect.

The investigation is also expected to focus on reconstructing the events at Tuikut Trading Centre on the night of August 8.

Detectives will seek to establish how the suspects arrived at the trading centre, what happened inside Wasama's shop and how they escaped after the shooting.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation.

Suspects Face Court as Investigations Continue

The two suspects arrested during the Marigo Village operation remain in custody as detectives process them for arraignment.

Investigators are also seeking custodial orders to allow them additional time to conduct further inquiries before the suspects are presented in court.

The additional time would allow detectives to interrogate the suspects, analyse recovered items and follow up on leads concerning other people who may have been involved.

Police have not disclosed the identities of any additional suspects being pursued.

DCI Warns Against Unverified Claims

As the investigation continues, the DCI has cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified allegations concerning the murder.

The agency warned that speculative claims could prejudice the case, compromise ongoing investigations or threaten public safety.

The warning comes as details of the shooting continue to circulate within the community and on social media.

The DCI has urged anyone with credible information that could assist investigators in identifying or apprehending the remaining suspects to report to the nearest police station.

Information provided by members of the public could help detectives establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring all those responsible to justice.

What Happens Next in the Nathan Masai Wasama Murder Case?

With three suspects now in custody, detectives are expected to intensify efforts to establish the full chain of events surrounding the Nathan Masai Wasama murder.

Investigators will continue analysing the items recovered during the Cheptais raid while pursuing additional suspects believed to have information about the shooting.

The case remains active, and the DCI has not ruled out further arrests as detectives follow new leads.

For residents of Cheptais and Bungoma County, the investigation will be closely watched as authorities work to establish why the 61-year-old businessman was targeted and ensure that those responsible for his death face the law.

Nathan Masai Wasama Murder — Key Facts

  • Victim: Nathan Masai Wasama, 61

  • Location: Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, Bungoma County

  • Date of shooting: August 8, 2026

  • Suspects arrested: Three

  • First suspect: Oscar Koech Sakong

  • Other suspects: Wycliffe Chesubei Ngeiwa alias Chota and Geoffrey Makwere Masai

  • Other victim: A woman who was shot and injured

  • Recovered items: Weapons, three motorcycles, mobile phones and other items

  • Investigation: Ongoing

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Three suspects have been arrested over the murder of Bungoma businessman Nathan Masai Wasama, who was shot dead at his shop in Cheptais. Detectives also recovered weapons, motorcycles and other items during a raid.